Diplomas

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year course for 16-18 year olds. Created at Ecolint in the late 1960s, there are now around 5,000 schools in more than 140 countries that are members of the International Baccalaureate Organisation. The diploma is recognised by universities and colleges around the world and many top universities make a point of recruiting IB Diploma holders.

The IBDP is offered at all three campuses. The specific courses available and whether they are taught in English or French varies on each campus.

The Diploma Programme involves six groups of subjects and three core elements.

The six groups of subjects

Candidates select one from each of the six subject areas below. They must follow at least three and not more than four at the “Higher” level, the others at the “Standard” level.

• Language A1 (first language) including the study of selections from world literature
• Language A2, B, ab initio, second modern language
• Individuals and societies: History, Geography, Economics and Psychology.
• Experimental sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Mathematics
• Art, Theatre, Music or a third modern language, a second subject from individuals and societies or experimental sciences, computer sciences

The three core elements

1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) 
   This is a required course of 100 hours over the two years that stimulates critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.
2. CAS Programme (Creativity, Activity, Service) 
   CAS is a fundamental part of the Diploma programme and involves completing a series of "experiences" covering the three strands: Creativity, Activity and Service. Students participate in a wide variety of projects for example theatre productions and music, sports and community service activities.
3. The Extended Essay
   Students undertake a piece of original research investigating a topic of special interest which culminates in a 4,000 word essay.

You will find more information on this programme on the IB website.

As its name indicates, the IBCP is an International Baccalaureate programme intended for students who are keen to develop their career opportunities in particular fields.

Currently offered only at the Campus des Nations, students have the opportunity to enrol in specific career studies in business or the creative industries.

The IBCP has three components:

• Between two and four standard level IB Diploma subjects
• A BTEC Level 3 professional qualification in either Business or Art & Design
• The IBCP core, which includes community and service, an approach to learning (ATL) course, language development and a reflective project blended together to enhance individual critical thinking and intercultural understanding.

We also expect students to participate in value added elements of a career-related course of study such as work experience.

You will find more information on this programme on the IB website.

Currently offered only at La Châtaigneraie, the Maturité suisse (classic or bilingual) covers a very broad curriculum and results in examinations taken at the end of Secondary education. Holders of the Maturité are guaranteed entry to Swiss universities, and the qualification is recognised by higher education establishments in many other countries.

Maturité at La Châtaigneraie offers: 

• A bilingual option
• A wide range of subjects
• A specialisation in biochemistry, visual arts or eco-law
• 2 examination sessions ( Year 12, Year 13)

Candidates also have to undergo a viva voce exam on their Maturité extended essay. This essay concerns a topic chosen by the student.

It is possible to be awarded a diploma with a bilingual option (French/English). In this case the candidate sits the Humanities (History and Geography) and complementary option (Philosophy) examinations in English.

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Currently only offered at the La Châtaigneraie campus, the IGCSE is a two year English-language qualification available in all subject areas in Years 10 and 11. Assessment is by final examination and the qualification is awarded in the form of grades (A*-G).

Most students take between 8 and 9 subjects at IGCSE. The experience of taking formal examinations is considered a good experience in preparation for the IBDP examinations which follow in Year 13. Whilst not required by universities, IGCSE results are recognised throughout the world and are often used as part of initial screening procedures for university applications.

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All campuses offer High School Diplomas to students graduating in Year 12 or 13 who have completed four years of high school level education and earned 24 credits. 

Credits are awarded for Mother Tongue Language, Second Language, Mathematics, Laboratory Sciences, Humanities, Arts and Physical Education. The minimum grade to receive credit is 3 on a 7.0 scale. Courses graded on a pass/fail basis will be awarded credit for pass only.